MONTHLY UPDATES2024-08-07T16:21:59+00:00

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of November 21 – 25, 2022

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Morongo Band of Mission Indians: Environmental Specialist I – Tribal Air Program

Click Here for Full Job Description

Under the direction of the Environmental Department Director, the Environmental Specialist (Level I) is responsible for carrying out entry level tasks under the Tribal Air Program. Activities include operating air monitoring equipment, conducting routine maintenance and repairs of equipment, following and developing standard operating procedures and quality assurance project plans, conducting indoor air quality assessments, and assisting with education and outreach activities. Environmental Specialist I is an entry-level position and meets the minimum qualifications. At this level, incumbents learn and perform program activities under supervision.

 

REMINDER!

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

 

TAMS Tribal Air Monitoring Technology Specialist

Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Administrative / Office support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a grant administered program through National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise and experience will truly be valued. The EPA provides a wonderful work atmosphere, and you’ll be working side-by-side with EPA staff that are doing important work every day.

Pay & Benefits: Pay rate: $18.01 /hr.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium if working 30+ hours per week, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Federal Holidays plus one Individual Holiday, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available. Must be U.S Citizen and age 55 or older to apply. The duties of this position must be performed onsite at the EPA office location in Las Vegas, NV. For Full Description and to Apply Click Here

 

The Clean Energy Corps is hiring. We need talented, diverse, kind, and hardworking people like you to join this team. Apply Now! With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Clean Energy Corps is charged with investing more than $62 billion to deliver a more equitable clean energy future for the American people by:

  • Investing in American manufacturing
  • Creating good paying jobs
  • Expanding access to energy efficiency and clean energy for families, communities, and businesses
  • Delivering reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans
  • And building the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy research, development, and demonstrations

You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

REMINDER! Selections for the ARP Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant

EPA selected 132 projects, in 37 states, to receive a total of $53.4 million to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will start the process to award the funding by the end of 2022, once the grant applicants have met all legal and administrative requirements. This table can be sorted by clicking on each column header. A downloadable version is available here.

 

REMINDER! Native American Natural Resource Research Scholarship

Application Due: November 30, 2022, 5:00 PM PST

The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Research and Development is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for Native American students who are planning or currently conducting Tribally relevant research in a natural resource issue.

Award: Varies, not to exceed $5,000

Purpose: The ITC Research Scholarship is designed to support Tribally relevant, natural resource-based research being conducted by Native American scholars enrolled in a graduate program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: The ITC Education Selection Committee will review and rank only those applications that completely address the following criteria:

  1. Letter of Application: The letter must include your name, permanent mailing address, email address and phone number. Discuss your current educational program and how the Tribally relevant proposed research fits into both your degree in natural resources and your future.
  2. Resume
  3. Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U.S. Government. A photocopy of your enrollment card, front and back, or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) is sufficient.
  4. Mini Research Proposal: Please keep this concise (4 page maximum not counting budget and justification). Required elements include a) abstract stating research merit and explaining how this research is relevant to Tribal natural resource interests b) timeline and methodology c) dissemination plan, including a Tribal component d) budget and budget justification 5.
  5. Letters of reference/support from an academic advisor or committee member is required. Additionally, a second letter of support from a Tribal resource manager or a Tribal representative with Tribal approval of the project or the relevancy of the project to the Tribe is required. Reference letters are not accepted directly from referrals, submit with your completed application.

DELIVERY OF APPLICATION: Create one email attaching all required documents and submit to intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com  up until the close of business (5:00 p.m. PST) November 30, 2022. Incomplete applications will not be considered. PDF attachment(s) preferred, download free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF documents. Google docs are not accepted.

Questions can be submitted to ITC by phone 503-282-4296 or email intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com.

 

REMINDER! EPA Seeks Public Input on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder engagement strategy to help shape the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion fund that will provide competitive grants to states, local governments, Tribes, and eligible non-profit financing institutions to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA’s strategy includes several steps, outlined below.

 

Issuing a Request for Information

EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on core design aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The notice has been published on EPA’s website and on Regulations.gov and will be open until December 5, 2022.

 

REMINDER! ITEP: HOST SITES NEEDED FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM!

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other Tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply. The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $5,120 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a workplace and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual or hybrid.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual/hybrid projects and in-person projects. The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in Tribal communities.

Apply online at: http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/eeop/Internships/ssi_host

Deadline: Apply by December 1, 2022.

If you know of a college student that might be interested in being an intern, encourage them to register at: nau.edu/itepinterns

For detailed information on the internship and requirements, visit our internship website: nau.edu/itepinterns

 

EPA Resource: EPA is pleased to announce that we have updated our Local Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool and our Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool.

Updates include:

  • Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from through 2020, as available.
  • Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents from the latest Climate Registry, EPA GHG Emissions Factor Hub, and US Inventory publications.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP) values are now editable on the Factors tab. The bottom of the Control Sheet tab also contains new guidance on updating the GWP values and a navigation button to the GWP Entry section on the Factors tab.

Download the updated local community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Download the updated tribal community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Find our State Inventory and Projection Tool and additional State and Tribal greenhouse gas data and resources here.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Home Heating Fuel Use Web App

Are you curious about how people heat their homes? EPA has developed a Home Heating Fuel Use web app that lets you visualize American Community Survey 5-year average home heating fuel data across the U.S. by census tract. Use this data to inform outreach or implementation planning related to energy efficiency, residential electrification, wood stove change-outs, and more.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Tracking Matrix

Does your community have climate goals to meet or brownfields that might be suitable for solar? Check out EPA’s Tracking Matrix to learn more about geothermal, biomass, solar and wind installations being built on contaminated lands across the country. EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative 2022 Tracking Matrix shows current trends in the development of renewable energy on contaminated lands. Project examples include successful community solar projects in Nashville, Tennessee; Schenectady County, New York; Morrisville, Vermont; and Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

Customize this flyer/poster template to share information with your community about air quality, how it can affect health, and actions to take on a bad air quality day.

You may need a PDF reader to view files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more. Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

 

Soliciting Expert Input from the Environmental Finance Advisory Board (EFAB)

EPA is soliciting expert input on key program design questions from the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB), a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to EPA’s Administrator and regional and program offices on ways to lower the costs of, and increase investments in, environmental and public health protection. The EFAB will provide its advice and recommendations to EPA by December 15, 2022.

 

Department of Energy (DOE) Announces $32 Million to Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Sector

All interested applicants must register and submit application materials through Fed Connect; register here for an account. All questions about the FOA must also be submitted through FedConnect.

 

Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and Tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. During 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional Tribal air quality staff members upon request. The equipment is not available for public use. For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website:https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

 

Communication Channels for NASA Funding Opportunities

Please consider signing up for the following communication channels. These channels will ensure that you are informed of student engagement and other funding opportunities:

  • Register for an account with NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to sign up for notifications to be alerted when new funding opportunities are released. There are sometimes opportunities released specifically for Minority Serving Institutions (including TCUs and other indigenous serving higher education institutions) so it’s good to receive the notifications to stay on top of new opportunities.
  • Sign up for our MUREP Newsletterwhich goes out every 2 weeks on Fridays.
  • Check our MUREP websitefor announcements regarding MUREP specific funding opportunities.

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

 

Climate Change/Energy

NEW!  Biden-Harris Administration Launches $1 Billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program to Enhance Energy Systems in Rural and Remote Communities

  • DOE Seeks Public Input on New Program to Improve Energy Systems in Areas with Fewer than 10,000 People
  • Feedback to this RFI can be submitted to ERA@hq.doe.gov until November 28, 2022, at noon, EST. Find out more on OCED Exchange.

The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program will strengthen the resilience, reliability, and availability of energy systems, helping communities unlock the public health and cost-saving benefits cleaner, more efficient energy provides.

The ERA program will provide federal support to rural or remote communities to:

  • Improve the overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems;
  • Site or upgrade transmission and distribution lines;
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation by rural or remote areas;
  • Provide or modernize electric generation facilities;
  • Develop microgrids; and
  • Increase energy efficiency

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-1-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-program

 

EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will use this newsletter to share updates and opportunities as they become available and to let you know how the EPA’s IRA programs can help your jurisdiction.

Our monthly funding newsletter will also continue to provide information on climate and clean energy grant and technical assistance opportunities and deadlines for state, local, and Tribal governments. You can also visit the White House’s website about clean energy and climate action in the IRA. Use it to learn how you can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and more. Share the news: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades have been Extended!

Under the IRA, federal tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended. This means that if you made any qualifying home improvements to your primary residence after December 31, 2021, you may be eligible to claim credit on your federal taxes when you file for 2022. Qualifying upgrades include ENERGY STAR-certified products, as well as improvements to your home’s envelope or exterior – such as windows, doors, and insulation. To learn more, read through ENERGY STAR’s property tax credit guidance.

Renewable Energy tax credits have also been extended and will be available through the end of 2023. These include incentives for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential Wind Turbines, Solar Energy Systems, and Fuel Cells.

What’s New for Federal Tax Credits in 2023? There will be new efficiency tax credits in place starting January 1, 2023, lasting 10 years – through 2032. The tax credit amount is generally limited to 30% of the project cost. The previous lifetime cap of $500 has been changed to an annual cap of $1,200 to $2,000 depending on the efficiency improvements you make. This means you will be able to claim credit for more projects, especially if they are spread out over multiple years.

For more information and to stay up to date on available tax credits, make sure to bookmark ENERGY STAR’s page on Federal Tax Credits so you can maximize savings on your home energy efficiency projects.

 

Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!

 

Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS)

Beginning at 10:30am EST – The agenda for the November 30th meeting of the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee, including a link to join the meeting virtually using Microsoft Teams, is copied below. This information can also be found on the MSTRS website: https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

 

The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon is pleased to announce the following details on the 2023 National Radon Poster and Video Contests

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2022

  • All states and/or Tribes must submit their 1st place poster and/or video to kelley@state.co.usby November 30, 2022.
  • The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon will vote on the posters and videos for the National Radon Poster and Video Contest in mid-December. Winners will be announced during National Radon Action Month, January 2023.
  • The American Lung Association (ALA) will be providing the following prizes to the national winners:

Poster prizes:
1st place –$1,000
2nd place –$300
3rd place – $200

Video prize:
1st place –$1,000

If your state radon program and/or Tribe is interested in conducting a video contest, ALA has great information on their website on the Illinois video contest that you can use as a guide https://www.lung.org/local-content/il/radon-video.  Feel free to contact Chrys Kelley (chrys.kelley@state.co.us) if you have any questions.

 

REMINDER! Request for Proposal for School Bus Repower

Applications Due: December 2, 2022

Forth and Beaverton School District are accepting proposals in response to our new Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors able to repower a diesel school bus with an electric powertrain. The RFP includes project specifications as well as a virtual presentation component for top-scoring applicants. Organizations who submitted previously are welcome to review the changes and resubmit.

 

U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles with Final Assembly in North America

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit, and added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022. For more details on the credit, see Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit. Also see the full list of alternative fuel vehicle incentives amended or created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Click Here for more information.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality:

Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!

 

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

 

Alaska

NEW! 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

Application closes: December 27, 2022 for Alaska sub-applicants; January 27, 2023 for directly applying Tribes | Click Here for Full Listing

FEMA administers the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) to provide funding for hazard mitigation projects & planning. Federally-recognized tribes can apply directly; otherwise, applicants must apply as a sub-applicant with the state. This post focuses on information to apply as a sub-applicant. Communities/consortiums of communities considering applying for BRIC can receive Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) from FEMA. Learn more here.

Eligible Applicants:

  • State agencies, boroughs, cities and Federally Recognized Tribal Governments with a FEMA approved and locally adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) as defined in 44 CFR Part 201

Contact Alaska’s BRIC Program Manager for more information on applying as a sub-applicant:

 

Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.

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RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|

TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of November 14 – 18, 2022

NTAA News!

REMINDER!  EPA Training: 2022 Supplemental Proposal – Reducing Climate – and Health – Harming Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Sector. Registration is Required!

To help engage with our stakeholders on the supplemental proposed oil and natural gas methane rule, EPA will host three separate trainings. Each training will provide an overview of the supplemental proposed rule, information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process, and an opportunity to ask questions. Although all trainings are open to the public, the trainings will include information tailored to specific groups: environmental justice communities/tribal nations, tribal environmental professionals, and small business stakeholders.

These virtual events are FREE and open to the public. These events will be held using Zoom, and a toll-free call-in number will be available. To learn more about this supplemental proposed rule and the training events, please click HERE.

Webinar #1

Date:    Thursday, November 17, 2022 

Time:   6:00PM – 8:00PM (Eastern time)

Targeted Audience: EJ Communities and Organizations and Tribal Nations

Registration: Click HERE to register

NEW! The STAR Release Webinar scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 3:00 PM EST has been cancelled!

The NTAA regrets to inform you that the 2022 STAR release webinar scheduled for this Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM EST has been cancelled. The NTAA is currently working on rescheduling the webinar for a time before in early December. We apologize for this and will be sending out an update as soon as possible!

NEW! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

NEW! NTAA /EPA Air Policy Update Call

Thursday, November 17th, at 2 PM ET

NTAA invites any interested parties to participate, or listen in, on Air Policy Updates from NTAA partners and the U.S. EPA this Thursday, November 17th at 2 pm ET. Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Use the following zoom information to participate or listen in.

You can listen in here: https://nau.zoom.us/j/81093074186?pwd=K1ZuWUQ4OTVoS1FkRTZrY0EwRitjUT09

Meeting ID: 810 9307 4186

Password: 555206

NEW! U.S. EPA Informational Webinar for Tribes on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Programs PowerPoint Now Available!

On November 15, 2022, the U.S. EPA held a webinar for Tribal Governments and critical partners regarding funding opportunities available to Tribes in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed earlier this year by President Biden. The webinar included an IRA overview, introduction to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, IRA and Air Pollution Control, IRA and Environmental Justice, and Chemical Safety & Pollution Prevention IRA Overview. The PowerPoint is available on NTAA’s website under Resources for Tribes on New Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act on the Policy Resource Kits page.

 Top Stories

Navajo – Hopi Observer – Indigenous voters drive long distances to cast ballots in tribal and state elections

Smithsonian Magazine – The Myths of the Thanksgiving Story and the Lasting Damage They Imbue

E&E News – The world will likely miss 1.5 C. Why isn’t anyone saying so?

The Hill – Biden expected to announce stronger proposed methane regulations for oil and gas at climate conference

Bloomberg Law – Biden Climate Rules Move Ahead Amid Wait for Final Carbon Metric

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Indianz – Congress returns to work after big election by inching toward historic tribal delegate

Indian Country Today – Republicans see gains in Montana’s Majority-Native counties

E&E News – How EPA’s draft methane rule targets ‘super-emitters’

Green Bay Press Gazette – Tribe in rural northern Wisconsin, facing internet speeds ‘close to dial-up,’ will use $25M grant to build its own internet service

E&E News – Inside agencies, ‘it changes everything’ when Congress flips

Inside Climate News – New EPA Proposal to Augment Methane Regulations Would Help Achieve an 87% Reduction From the Oil and Gas Industry by 2030

AP News – UN to seek out methane emitters with data from space

Reuters – COP27: Global CO2 emissions to rise again, climate goals at risk, scientists say

The Guardian – Carbon emissions from fossil fuels will hit record high in 2022

EPA – EPA and PEMEX Announce Collaboration to Reduce Methane Emissions

EPA – Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Proposal to Cut Methane Pollution to Protect Communities, Combat Climate Change, and Bolster American Innovation

Climate Change/Energy

Reuters – Sticking points slow deal-making at COP27 climate talks

E&E News – ‘I’m going to fight’: Biden vows to meet U.S. climate goals

TIME – Biden Has Had More Climate Wins Than Past Presidents. But It Will Never Be Good Enough

Climate Change News – ‘Oil and gas trade show’ promotes carbon capture at Cop27

NPR – Al Gore helped launch a global emissions tracker that keeps big polluters honest

E&E News – 3 ways the midterms will transform energy

NPR – A proposed lithium mine presents a climate versus environment conflict

Reuters – US West faces power reliability issues from growing use of renewables

Grist – Can carbon offsets kill coal? John Kerry wants to try it.

Utility Dive – DOE touts nuclear-powered hydrogen production projects with Xcel, Constellation, 4 other partners

Inside Climate News – Rooftop Solar Is Becoming More Accessible to People with Lower Incomes, But Not Fast Enough

Bloomberg – Big Utilities See Inflation Reduction Act Helping Reduce Customers’ Energy Bills

Climate Wire – Meet the Pentagon’s climate team

Toxics/Mobile Sources

CBS News – Electric or gas powered cars – which is better in the cold weather and snow?

Reuters – Tesla EVs ranked worst in annual reliability survey by Consumer Reports

Utility Dive – Electric vehicle sales rise as registrations jump 57% through September

Protocol – The EV revolution is here. It’s happening on two wheels.

CBS News – Shift to electric cars happening too slowly to avoid “climate catastrophe,” report finds

Protocol – New poll: The era of the ICE vehicle is ending. What comes next?

AP News – Unmanned, solar-powered US space plane back after 908 days

The Guardian – World’s biggest carmakers to build 400m more vehicles than 1.5C climate target will allow

Vox – A mountain, a tower, a thermos of molten salt. These are the batteries that could power our renewable future.

Canary Media – The race is on to build the world’s first ammonia-powered ship

Protocol – A net zero future doesn’t need to kill the two-car garage

Indoor Air Quality

TIME – Why Masks Still Matter

EIN News – Indoor Air Quality Solutions Market to grow by USD 14.61 Bn by 2026, Technological advancements in indoor air quality solutions to Boost Market Growth – Technavio

Tech Hive – Govee’s new air quality monitor is even cheaper than Amazon’s

TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of November 14 – 18, 2022

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

REMINDER! 2022 WHITE HOUSE TRIBAL NATIONS SUMMIT ANNOUNCEMENT

The President will host the next White House Tribal Nations Summit on November 30 and December 1 at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Since taking office, the President has prioritized strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships, honoring trust and treaty obligations with federally recognized Tribes and advancing Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration is also making historic investments in Tribal communities. Building on the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit, this year’s Summit will be an opportunity for Tribal leaders to engage directly with senior administration officials on implementation of these key priorities, new policies, and other important issues facing Tribal communities. Read the statement here.

REMINDER! Limited Stipends Available for the 2022 WHITE HOUSE TRIBAL NATIONS SUMMIT

Greetings Fellow Sovereignty Protectors and Justice Advocates, In partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) as our funder, we are pleased to announce that the USET SPF is leading the coordination and management of providing a limited number of stipend payments to support Tribal Leaders from across Indian Country who want to attend the White House Tribal Nations Summit (WHTNS). To qualify, individuals must (1) self-attest a financial need, (2) be a representative of a federally recognized Tribal Nation, and (3) have been accepted by the White House as the Designated Attendee for their federally recognized Tribal Nation.

Stipends in the amount of $2,500 will be made available on a first come, first served basis, until funds are exhausted. Stipends will be paid directly to the federally recognized Tribal Nation. Please see the link below to complete the stipend request form. Click Here for Stipend Request Form

REMINDER! EPA Seeks Feedback on Inflation Reduction Act Programs

Comments are due by January 18, 2023. In addition, the agency will conduct extensive public engagement as it works to implement the law.

EPA has announced initial public engagement and input opportunities for a subset of new and existing programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. These programs, which include funding for air quality and climate projects addressing clean energy, transportation, methane emissions, and climate super-pollutants, will advance the President’s bold agenda to combat the climate crisis, protect public health and advance environmental justice. 

EPA’s engagement strategy for these programs includes:

  • Request for Information (RFI): Issuing a request for public input to inform program design;
  • Expert Input: Soliciting expert input on key program design questions from EPA’s Federal Advisory Committees including the Local Government Advisory Committee, Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, and the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee;
  • Listening Sessions: Launching a stakeholder listening session series to enable key stakeholders including environmental justice communities, state and local governments, clean energy advocates, labor, and others to provide input directly to EPA staff; and
  • New Webpage: Creating a one-stop shop for information on the implementation of Inflation Reduction Act programs managed by EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

EPA has published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on six public dockets that correspond to Inflation Reduction Act provisions in the law.

Public Encouraged to Review and Comment in Six Public Dockets

NEW! Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) Webinar: Residential Solar-Adopter Income and Demographic Trends: Data Through 2021

November 17, 2022, | 10:00 AM PT | Register Here

Please join us for a free webinar summarizing key findings from Berkeley Lab’s recently published report, “Residential Solar-Adopter Income and Demographic Trends: November 2022 Update.” The report, the latest in an annual series, describes income, demographic, presence in “disadvantaged communities”, and other socio-economic trends among U.S. residential rooftop solar adopters. This latest edition is based on household level data for more than 2.8 million residential solar adopters across the country, with systems installed through 2021. With its unique size, geographic scope, and level of detail, this report is intended to serve as a foundational reference document for policy-makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. We appreciate the funding support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office.

 NEW! EPA Webinar: Sensor Pods for Volatile Organic Compound Fenceline Monitoring and Data Analysis

Thursday, December 1, 2022, | 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET | Register Here

            This webinar will review progress from EPA SPod prototypes to commercially available versions with example field applications. We will describe the best use practices for the SPod, as well as EPA’s SPod set up and operation procedures. We will discuss development of an EPA software system called the Sensor Network Intelligent Emissions Locator (SENTINEL). This open-source analysis tool will help users transform SPod fence line sensor data into quality assured and easily visualized emission source information. Lastly, we outline emerging partnerships with EPA Region 4 (Southeast) and others that will help make these NGEM systems available to various groups.

 University of Oregon Webinar Series: Addressing Equity and Environmental Justice in the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy

  1. Considering Equity in Wildfire Risk and Protection Thurs. Dec. 1, 10am PDT —– REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3dWM1Lw
  • Webinar #4 in the Equity in Environmental Justice Series This webinar will summarize recent research examining the equity implications of rising wildfire risk and associated costs, including insurance coverage and the comparative costs for risk management activities in populations with different incomes.
  • Presented by: Matthew R. Auer; The University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FY2022 Appropriations

To View Report, Click Here.

This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role.

NC Radon Program Social Media Toolkit

The NC Radon Program has created a free Radon Social Media Toolkit for your use. The materials are in both English and Spanish. All the materials are in a Google Docs folder. To access this social media toolkit folder

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has a publicly facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar for all to use!

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars, please do not hesitate to reach out to Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to Tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

  • A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
  • A course that explains the basic components of state and Tribal implementation plans,
  • A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
  • A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
  • A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), Tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website. 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions for NTAA webinars* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time. For other NTAA calls, NTAA will be transitioning to Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, November 17, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, December 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! November 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET (tentative)
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, November 17, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, December 15, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) hosts the Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates, Residential Building Science Review, Radon Fundamentals, Quality Assurance Fundamental, Writing a Quality Assurance Project Plan, Emissions Inventory Fundamentals, and Emissions Inventory Advanced.

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to Tribes and climate change.

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.

Climate Change / Energy

REMINDER! U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Webinar: 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Tribes Leading the Way to a More Sustainable Energy Future

December 7, 2022, | 11:00 AM – 1:00 Pm MST | Register Here

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how Tribes can position themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their communities and future generations. Tribes have been working toward a more sustainable future for many years. This webinar will highlight projects across Indian Country and rural Alaska that demonstrate successful steps toward a cleaner energy future.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! Next SmartWay Webinar: Everything you want to know about the Partner Portal – So much more for you than the tool alone!

Wednesday, November 16, 2022, | 2:00 PM ET | Register Here

Join the SmartWay team as we walk through the features of the SmartWay Partner Portal you may not have discovered. While the Portal is the primary way partners access their SmartWay tools, Registration document, and the SmartWay Logo Files, it is also full of other resources, reports and information that can let you take full advantage of your SmartWay partnership. During this webinar, we will provide a brief introduction to the range of resources at your fingertips, including the Emissions Results Report, LTL Carbon Calculator, SmartWay Logo Resources, A Goal Setting Guide for SmartWay Shippers, sample press releases… and more. This webinar is targeted to all Partners. 

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program.

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

  • provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting, and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains
  • helps companies identify and select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve supply chain sustainability and lower costs from goods movement
  • supports global energy security and offsets environmental risk for companies and countries
  • reduces freight transportation-related emissions by accelerating the use of advanced fuel-saving technologies
  • is supported by major transportation industry associations, environmental groups, state and local governments, international agencies, and the corporate community

View the SmartWay timeline and learn about the program’s achievements and key milestones reached since SmartWay’s launch in 2002. Our progress to making freight in the supply chain more sustainable and efficient is due to the vision, commitment, and hard work of SmartWay Partners and Affiliates! Two Decades of Progress: SmartWay Partnership Milestones (PDF)(1 pg, 345 K, June 2021, EPA-420-H-21-001). Click Here to view past webinars and upcoming webinars

NEW! EPA Announcing IRA Clean Ports Funding Listening Sessions

IRA Clean Ports Funding Listening Session #1 | December 6, 2022, | 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET | Register Here

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) provides EPA with $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and technology and to help ports develop climate action plans to reduce air pollutants at U.S. ports. This new funding program will build on EPA’s Ports Initiative that the Agency established to ensure that our nation’s ports, a critical part of our infrastructure and supply chain, help address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities. See below for legislative text enabling this historic funding program:

This session will begin with a brief overview of the legislation and conclude with an interactive listening session. We encourage all to attend, whether you work at a port, work with near-port communities, or simply are interested in helping ports transition to zero-emissions. Please come prepared to share your feedback on the program, including:

  1. What types of zero-emission port technologies or related planning support do you see as most critical for delivering emissions reductions?
  2. What do you see as the biggest hurdles to transitioning to zero-emission port equipment?
  3. How do you see this program complementing other available funding programs (e.g., at EPA, other federal or state programs) that can support efforts to reduce emissions at ports?
  4. How would you like to see funding for zero-emission port technology, related planning and permitting, and development of climate action plans work together? Should the funding opportunities be sequenced or combined?
  5. How can we help ensure this program addresses concerns of near-port communities and advances environmental justice?

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative
If you have any questions or feedback, please email: cleanports@epa.gov

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! EPA Webinar: The Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ) will hold its next public webinar

November 17, 2022, | 1:00 p.m. ET. | Register Here

Dr. Chandra Sekhar, Professor, Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore and Dr. Iain Walker, Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will be giving a presentation titled “ASHRAE’s IAQ and COVID Guidance for Multifamily Buildings” This presentation will provide the background for ASHRAE’s COVID guidance for multifamily buildings together with an overview of detailed recommendations for building owners and managers.

Following Dr. Sekhar and Dr. Walker’s presentation, CIAQ member agencies will provide updates on indoor environmental quality–related activities at their agencies.

A draft agenda for the November meeting is provided on the CIAQ website.

REMINDER! EPA Seeks Information to Support Indoor Air Quality Management Improvements to Reduce Disease Transmission and Improve Public Health

Comments must be submitted by December 5, 2022.

Building upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, a key component of the President’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment to inform efforts by EPA and others to support the widespread adoption of actions that lead to improvements in indoor air quality in the nation’s building stock, with a particular emphasis on schools and commercial buildings, to help reduce disease transmission indoors and improve public health. For more information, see FR Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0794

Available Now: An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes Webinar Recording

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division recently hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the key basic facts of radon – what it is, what it does to us, how we measure it, how we reduce our exposure, and where to find resources and additional information. A recording of An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes is now available online. The recorded webinar features a presentation by Bruce Snead, Director of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University and director of the National Radon Program Services effort for EPA since 2009.

EPA: A Fact Sheet for Tribes on State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

Please visit the Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities or State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program and Resources pages to learn more and download the fact sheet.

Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!

CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of November 14 – 18, 2022

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Morongo Band of Mission Indians: Environmental Specialist I – Tribal Air Program

Click Here for the Full Job Description

Under the direction of the Environmental Department Director, the Environmental Specialist (Level I) is responsible for carrying out entry level tasks under the Tribal Air Program. Activities include operating air monitoring equipment, conducting routine maintenance and repairs of equipment, following and developing standard operating procedures and quality assurance project plans, conducting indoor air quality assessments, and assisting with education and outreach activities. Environmental Specialist I is an entry-level position and meets the minimum qualifications. At this level, incumbents learn and perform program activities under supervision.

REMINDER! EPA Seeks Public Input on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder engagement strategy to help shape the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion fund that will provide competitive grants to states, local governments, Tribes, and eligible non-profit financing institutions to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA’s strategy includes several steps, outlined below.

Issuing a Request for Information

EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on core design aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The notice has been published on EPA’s website and on Regulations.gov and will be open until December 5, 2022.

Launching a National Listening Session Series

EPA is launching a stakeholder listening session series to enable key stakeholders and members of the public to provide input directly to EPA staff on the implementation of the Fund. The series will begin with two sessions on November 1 and November 9 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET. For more information on the Inflation Reduction Act and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, visit the new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund webpage.

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications close: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for the Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements. 

TAMS Tribal Air Monitoring Technology Specialist

Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Administrative / Office support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a grant administered program through National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise and experience will truly be valued. The EPA provides a wonderful work atmosphere, and you’ll be working side-by-side with EPA staff that are doing important work every day.

Pay & Benefits: Pay rate: $18.01 /hr.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium if working 30+ hours per week, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Federal Holidays plus one Individual Holiday, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available. Must be U.S Citizen and age 55 or older to apply. The duties of this position must be performed onsite at the EPA office location in Las Vegas, NV. For a Full Description and to Apply, Click Here 

The Clean Energy Corps is hiring. We need talented, diverse, kind, and hardworking people like you to join this team. Apply Now! With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Clean Energy Corps is charged with investing more than $62 billion to deliver a more equitable clean energy future for the American people by:

  • Investing in American manufacturing
  • Creating good paying jobs
  • Expanding access to energy efficiency and clean energy for families, communities, and businesses
  • Delivering reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans
  • And building the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy research, development, and demonstrations

You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes   

REMINDER! Selections for the ARP Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant

EPA is selecting 132 projects in 37 states to receive a total of $53.4 million to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will start the process of awarding the funding by the end of 2022 once the grant applicants have met all legal and administrative requirements. This table can be sorted by clicking on each column header. A downloadable version is available here.

REMINDER! Native American Natural Resource Research Scholarship

Application Due: November 20, 2022, 5:00 PM PST

The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Research and Development, is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for Native American students who are planning or currently conducting Tribally relevant research on a natural resource issue.

Award: Varies, not to exceed $5,000

Purpose: The ITC Research Scholarship is designed to support Tribally relevant, natural resource-based research being conducted by Native American scholars enrolled in a graduate program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: The ITC Education Selection Committee will review and rank only those applications that completely address the following criteria:

  1. Letter of Application: The letter must include your name, permanent mailing address, email address and phone number. Discuss your current educational program and how the Tribally relevant proposed research fits into both your degree in natural resources and your future.
  2. Resume
  3. Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U.S. Government. A photocopy of your enrollment card, front and back, or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) is sufficient.
  4. Mini Research Proposal: Please keep this concise (4 page maximum not counting budget and justification). Required elements include a) abstract stating research merit and explaining how this research is relevant to Tribal natural resource interests b) timeline and methodology c) dissemination plan, including a Tribal component d) budget and budget justification 5.
  5. Letters of reference/support from an academic advisor or committee member is required. Additionally, a second letter of support from a Tribal resource manager or a Tribal representative with Tribal approval of the project or the relevancy of the project to the Tribe is required. Reference letters are not accepted directly from referrals; submit with your completed application.

DELIVERY OF APPLICATION: Create one email attaching all required documents and submit it to intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com  up until the close of business (5:00 p.m. PST) on November 30, 2022. Incomplete applications will not be considered. PDF attachment(s) preferred; download free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF documents. Google docs are not accepted.

Questions can be submitted to ITC by phone at 503-282-4296 or by email intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com.

REMINDER! EPA Seeks Public Input on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder engagement strategy to help shape the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion fund that will provide competitive grants to states, local governments, Tribes, and eligible non-profit financing institutions to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA’s strategy includes several steps, outlined below.

Issuing a Request for Information

EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on core design aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The notice has been published on EPA’s website and on Regulations.gov and will be open until December 5, 2022.

Launching a National Listening Session Series

EPA is launching a stakeholder listening session series to enable key stakeholders and members of the public to provide input directly to EPA staff on the implementation of the Fund. The series will begin with two sessions on November 1 and November 9 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM ET. For more information on the Inflation Reduction Act and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, visit the new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund webpage.

REMINDER! Department of Commerce (DOC) Climate Program Office FY 2023 – $11.1 million

Applications Due: November 21, 2022, | Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-OAR-CPO-2023-2007440

Eligible Entities: State governments, local governments, Tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, international organizations 

As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate portfolio within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), the Climate Program Office (CPO) addresses climate challenges by managing competitive research programs through which high-priority climate science, assessments, decision-support research, outreach, education, and capacity-building activities are funded to advance our understanding of the Earth’s climate system, and to foster the application and use of this knowledge to improve the resilience of our Nation and its partners.  For more information, visit the funding opportunity description. 

REMINDER! ITEP: HOST SITES NEEDED FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM!

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other Tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply. The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $5,120 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a workplace and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual or hybrid.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual/hybrid projects and in-person projects. The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in Tribal communities.

Apply online at: http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/eeop/Internships/ssi_host

Deadline: Apply by December 1, 2022.

If you know of a college student that might be interested in being an intern, encourage them to register at: nau.edu/itepinterns

For detailed information on the internship and requirements, visit our internship website: nau.edu/itepinterns

NEW! EPA Resource: EPA is pleased to announce that we have updated our Local Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool and our Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool.

Updates include:

  • Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from through 2020, as available.
  • Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents from the latest Climate Registry, EPA GHG Emissions Factor Hub, and US Inventory publications.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP) values are now editable on the Factors tab. The bottom of the Control Sheet tab also contains new guidance on updating the GWP values and a navigation button to the GWP Entry section on the Factors tab.

Download the updated local community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Download the updated tribal community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Find our State Inventory and Projection Tool and additional State and Tribal greenhouse gas data and resources here.

NEW! EPA Resource: EPA’s Home Heating Fuel Use Web App

Are you curious about how people heat their homes? EPA has developed a Home Heating Fuel Use web app that lets you visualize American Community Survey 5-year average home heating fuel data across the U.S. by census tract. Use this data to inform outreach or implementation planning related to energy efficiency, residential electrification, wood stove change-outs, and more.

NEW! EPA Resource: EPA’s Tracking Matrix

Does your community have climate goals to meet or brownfields that might be suitable for solar? Check out EPA’s Tracking Matrix to learn more about geothermal, biomass, solar and wind installations being built on contaminated lands across the country. EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative 2022 Tracking Matrix shows current trends in the development of renewable energy on contaminated lands. Project examples include successful community solar projects in Nashville, Tennessee; Schenectady County, New York; Morrisville, Vermont; and Spanish Fork, Utah.

Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

Customize this flyer/poster template to share information with your community about air quality, how it can affect health, and actions to take on a bad air quality day.

You may need a PDF reader to view files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more. Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

Soliciting Expert Input from the Environmental Finance Advisory Board (EFAB)

EPA is soliciting expert input on key program design questions from the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB), a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to EPA’s Administrator and regional and program offices on ways to lower the costs of, and increase investments in, environmental and public health protection. The EFAB will provide its advice and recommendations to EPA by December 15, 2022.

Department of Energy (DOE) Announces $32 Million to Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Sector

All interested applicants must register and submit application materials through Fed Connect; register here for an account. All questions about the FOA must also be submitted through FedConnect.

Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and Tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. During 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional Tribal air quality staff members upon request. The equipment is not available for public use. For more information and access to the loan request web form, please visit the WSMART website:https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

Communication Channels for NASA Funding Opportunities

Please consider signing up for the following communication channels. These channels will ensure that you are informed of student engagement and other funding opportunities:

  • Register for an account with NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to sign up for notifications to be alerted when new funding opportunities are released. There are sometimes opportunities released specifically for Minority Serving Institutions (including TCUs and other indigenous-serving higher education institutions) so it’s good to receive the notifications to stay on top of new opportunities.
  • Sign up for our MUREP Newsletter, which goes out every 2 weeks on Fridays.
  • Check our MUREP website for announcements regarding MUREP-specific funding opportunities.

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

Climate Change/Energy

NEW!  Biden-Harris Administration Launches $1 Billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program to Enhance Energy Systems in Rural and Remote Communities

  • DOE Seeks Public Input on New Program to Improve Energy Systems in Areas with Fewer than 10,000 People
  • Feedback to this RFI can be submitted to ERA@hq.doe.gov until November 28, 2022, at noon, EST. Find out more on OCED Exchange.

The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program will strengthen the resilience, reliability, and availability of energy systems, helping communities unlock the public health and cost-saving benefits cleaner, more efficient energy provides.

The ERA program will provide federal support to rural or remote communities to:

  • Improve the overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems;
  • Site or upgrade transmission and distribution lines;
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation by rural or remote areas;
  • Provide or modernize electric generation facilities;
  • Develop microgrids; and
  • Increase energy efficiency

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-1-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-program

 EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will use this newsletter to share updates and opportunities as they become available and to let you know how the EPA’s IRA programs can help your jurisdiction.

Our monthly funding newsletter will also continue to provide information on climate and clean energy grant and technical assistance opportunities and deadlines for state, local, and Tribal governments. You can also visit the White House’s website about clean energy and climate action in the IRA. Use it to learn how you can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and more. Share the news: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades have been Extended!

Under the IRA, federal tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended. This means that if you made any qualifying home improvements to your primary residence after December 31, 2021, you may be eligible to claim credit on your federal taxes when you file for 2022. Qualifying upgrades include ENERGY STAR-certified products, as well as improvements to your home’s envelope or exterior – such as windows, doors, and insulation. To learn more, read through ENERGY STAR’s property tax credit guidance.

Renewable Energy tax credits have also been extended and will be available through the end of 2023. These include incentives for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential Wind Turbines, Solar Energy Systems, and Fuel Cells.

What’s New for Federal Tax Credits in 2023? There will be new efficiency tax credits in place starting January 1, 2023, lasting 10 years – through 2032. The tax credit amount is generally limited to 30% of the project cost. The previous lifetime cap of $500 has been changed to an annual cap of $1,200 to $2,000 depending on the efficiency improvements you make. This means you will be able to claim credit for more projects, especially if they are spread out over multiple years.

For more information and to stay up to date on available tax credits, make sure to bookmark ENERGY STAR’s page on Federal Tax Credits so you can maximize savings on your home energy efficiency projects.

Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here! 

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To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!

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REMINDER! The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon is pleased to announce the following details on the 2023 National Radon Poster and Video Contests

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2022

  • All states and/or Tribes must submit their 1st place poster and/or video to kelley@state.co.usby November 30, 2022.
  • The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon will vote on the posters and videos for the National Radon Poster and Video Contest in mid-December. Winners will be announced during National Radon Action Month, January 2023.
  • The American Lung Association (ALA) will be providing the following prizes to the national winners:

Poster prizes:
1st place –$1,000
2nd place –$300
3rd place – $200

Video prize:
1st place –$1,000

If your state radon program and/or Tribe is interested in conducting a video contest, ALA has great information on their website on the Illinois video contest that you can use as a guide https://www.lung.org/local-content/il/radon-video.  Feel free to contact Chrys Kelley (chrys.kelley@state.co.us) if you have any questions. 

REMINDER! Forth: Request for Proposal for School Bus Repower

Applications Due: December 2, 2022

Forth and Beaverton School District are accepting proposals in response to our new Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors able to repower a diesel school bus with an electric powertrain. The RFP includes project specifications as well as a virtual presentation component for top-scoring applicants. Organizations who submitted previously are welcome to review the changes and resubmit.  

U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles with Final Assembly in North America

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit, and added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022. For more details on the credit, see Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit. Also see the full list of alternative fuel vehicle incentives amended or created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Click Here for more information.

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! The Indoor Air Quality Association’s (IAQA) Emerging Professional Scholarship Fund was created to offer early career professionals the opportunity to further develop their understanding and expertise within the IAQ field. For the 2023 program, they are pleased to offer the following:

IAQA 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo Travel Award & IAQA University Award
One candidate will receive a $2,000 travel stipend award for hotel, airfare, miscellaneous expenses as well as a complimentary registration for the IAQA 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo and the 50- course bundle. Two candidates will receive the 50- course bundle for IAQA University featuring all four S.M.A.R.T. Education Courses/Badges –value up to $3250 (access for a period of 18 months). Click here to apply!

Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Alaska

NEW! 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

Application closes: December 27, 2022 for Alaska sub-applicants; January 27, 2023 for directly applying Tribes | Click Here for Full Listing

FEMA administers the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) to provide funding for hazard mitigation projects & planning. Federally-recognized tribes can apply directly; otherwise, applicants must apply as a sub-applicant with the state. This post focuses on information to apply as a sub-applicant. Communities/consortiums of communities considering applying for BRIC can receive Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) from FEMA. This application for this aid also opens on September 30. Learn more here.

Eligible Applicants:

  • State agencies, boroughs, cities and Federally recognized tribal governments with a FEMA approved and locally adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) as defined in 44 CFR Part 201

Contact Alaska’s BRIC Program Manager for more information on applying as a sub-applicant:

Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.

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Our mission is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

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